Feed the Flock Stinging Nettle?

[so lucky]

I noticed the stinging nettle is getting out of control in one of my flower beds. Does anyone feed it to their chickens? I understand once picked, the "stinging" ability goes away.
I know it is supposed to be good for people...

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It grows here too. My birds mostly ignore it. Nasty stuff. You can try feeding it to them, but I probably wouldn't unless it's mixed in with a bunch other weeds or grasses. I toss piles of pulled weeds into the run and birds pick through them, and integrate them into my deep litter. They eat what they want. I wouldn't want a bunch of stinging nettles laying around where I might brush up against them.

 

[so lucky]

I am under the impression that once picked, they don't sting. I guess I should try one to find out.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Oh they sting for quite a while. I personally hate them since I fell face first in a patch as a teenager.

 

[BreanneRN]

Turkeys love nettles a lot, and I think it is good for them... I have never seen anything gobble those things down like they do. Sheep and goats will only eat them when all other options are eliminated. People can eat it too, cooking takes away the stinging component.... Full of omega 3's, very nutritious, has a taste and texture similar to spinach. Eat them before they put on seeds though, as the seeds are kind of crunchy and weird. They are better than the dandelions I once ate back in my long ago natural food phase. Boy are those things bitter! As for the chickens, they don't seem to like it so much... https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/stinging-nettle-uses-and-risks#1 But the turkeys really like them! https://www.plant-lore.com/news/nettles-and-turkeys/